Everything you need to know about Samhain from its Irish origins to how to celebrate it

Samhain is a season, not just one night - here's how to celebrate it properly.

Forget costume parties or horror movie marathons - Halloween is so much more than one night of frightening fun.

This year, we're going beyond a singular vision of Halloween as we delve into its fascinating - and Irish - origins, and we'll be celebrating Samhain in all its glory.

So, first thing's first - what exactly is Samhain?

Samhain was the ancient Celtic new year celebration, and it was one of great importance. During this period, it was believed that the veil between the living and the dead thinned, and that the dead walked among us. The ancient Celts celebrated Samhain heartily, and we may even recognise some of their preferred methods. While we carve pumpkins today, the Celts used turnips to make lanterns. Bonfires were also a popular Samhain tradition - one that has certainly stood the test of time.

Unmissable Samhain festivals

This year, Ireland will come alive as it celebrates Samhain through a number of vibrant festivals. Looking for one near you? You've come to the right place, as we've hand-picked a number of festivals where you can celebrate Ireland as the Home of Halloween.

The iconic Púca Festival returns to Meath this year. Revellers can expect the jaw-dropping procession we have come to expect of Púca, but also a star-studded lineup of entertainment throughout the festival's run, with the likes of Young Hot Guys, The High Kings, The 2 Johnnies and the Blindboy Podcast on the billing.

Another stalwart of Samhain celebrations - the Macnas Parade - will bring Galway to life as part of the city's festival, Gaillimh Ah-Boo.

There's even more pageantry awaiting festival-goers in Limerick as the show-stopping Lumen Street Theatre's Fire and Shadows Parade comes to town, while King John's Castle will come alive through interactive theatre as the giant Con Mór visits the Treaty City.

Elsewhere, Kilkenny will be celebrating Samhain with a range of events across five weeks. One particularly delicious highlight is Savour Kilkenny, a food festival that puts Irish produce and culinary excellence centre stage in the picturesque setting of Kilkenny Castle.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Samhain celebrations today at DiscoverIreland.ie